Wolfgang Puck selected to design Oscar menu

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Wolfgang Puck and Ethiopian wife Gelila Assefa arrive for the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 24, 2008. (UPI Photo/Terry Schmitt)

BEVERLY HILLS, California (UPI) — Wolfgang Puck has been tapped to create the 2009 Governors Ball menu for Oscar revelers in Beverly Hills, Calif., it was announced Monday.

This marks the 15th consecutive year that the master chef has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to design the menu for the Governors Ball, the celebration that immediately follows the Academy Awards presentation. This year, it is to take place Feb. 22.

“The Governors Ball is the highlight of the season,” Puck said in a statement. “Our menu will have star-quality ingredients, each dish showcasing the essence of seasonal flavor. With locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients, guests will enjoy an award-worthy culinary experience.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering will be serving the Academy’s 1,500 ball guests, which will include Oscar winners, nominees, presenters and telecast participants.

The menu created by Puck and chefs Lee Hefter and Matt Bencivenga is expected to feature several ball favorites, including Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones; Chopped Chino Farms Vegetable Salad with Ginger Soy Vinaigrette; Maine Lobster and Caviar; and Pastry Chef Sherry Yard’s gold-dusted chocolate Oscars, the Academy said.